Resource allocation efficiency as an indicator of boredom, work performance and absence

Dyer-Smith, Martyn and Wesson, Dave (1997) Resource allocation efficiency as an indicator of boredom, work performance and absence. Ergonomics, 40 (5). pp. 515-521. ISSN 0014-0139

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Abstract

Boredom has been implicated in a range of unfortunate behaviours from absenteeism to substance abuse. Here resource allocation efficiency is proposed as a proximal indicator of both boredom and work behaviour. Clerical volunteers (N = 89) completed a series of computer-based tasks in which puzzle-solving speed was taken as an indicator of resource allocation efficiency. Individual variability in puzzle-solving speed correlated, as predicted, with accuracy of work (r = -0.35, p < 0.01) and days absence (r = +0.26, p < 0.05) as recorded in annual staff appraisals. Both these behaviours are considered boredom sensitive. These experiments suggest a direct way of predicting the consistency of key work-related behaviours.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	absenteeism, boredom, mental processes, work
Subjects:	N900 Others in Business and Administrative studies
Department:	Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User:	Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2015 16:12
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2019 09:55
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/18945

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